A traffic stop involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Franklin Park, Illinois, resulted in the death of an undocumented immigrant on Friday. The arrest occurred less than seven miles from a daylong protest outside an ICE processing center in Broadview that ended just hours earlier. There, demonstrators congregated to express their collective dissent against ICE’s immigration enforcement operations.
Though the gathering began peacefully, the protest quickly escalated as demonstrators confronted federal agents. Those tensions quickly ratcheted up when an enforcement officer shot one of the protesters in the leg with a pepper ball. Indeed, accounts agree that this killing incited additional rioting. ICE officers were then required to clear a path for ICE vehicles to escape, physically moving back protesters who blocked the route.
ICE officers began a highly publicized targeted enforcement operation. They attempted to run down Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant who famously drove dangerously close to reporters. When the cops tried to arrest him, Clemons fought back. In a dangerous decision, he attempted to flee, driving directly toward the arrest team. In the process, he hit one officer and dragged that officer with him as he drove off.
“This morning in Chicago, ICE officers were conducting targeted local enforcement activity during a vehicle stop, the suspect resisted and attempted to drive his vehicle into the arrest team, striking an officer and subsequently dragging him as he fled the scene. Fearing for his life, the officer discharged his firearm and struck the subject.” – ICE
Following the incident, ICE officials stated that the officer acted in accordance with his training, using appropriate force to protect both himself and the public. Tricia McLaughlin, recently confirmed as assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, came out in support of the officer who killed him.
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. He followed his training, used appropriate force and properly enforced the law to protect the public and law enforcement.” – Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary
As Friday’s events were happening, the backlash against the administration’s immigration policies and practices continued to build. Demonstrators outside the Broadview processing center turned their fiery vitriol on the feds. Other demonstrators yelled, “Shame on you!” as they faced down the police.
McLaughlin countered worries about false information going viral on social media. He underlined that this misinformation undermines public safety and puts law enforcement officers and undocumented people who are at risk of detention in danger.
“Viral social media videos and activists encouraging illegal aliens to resist law enforcement not only spread misinformation, but also undermine public safety, the safety of our officers and those being apprehended.” – Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary